I enjoyed sharing my pictures from my latest visit to Huntington Library and Gardens so much in my last blog that I just couldn't help myself. I had to share these pictures from a trip I took a couple years ago to a very special garden created by a very special man. If you are ever near Bishopville, South Carolina and have the chance to stop by, I guarantee it is worth the trip. There is a good chance that Mr. Pearl Fryar will be there himself eager to give you a tour. He is one part horticulturist, one part artist, one part motivational speaker and 100% inspirational. With no training at all, he took "throw away" plants from a local nursery and created a topiary garden that has baffled even the most experienced gardener and/or botanist. The documentary film 'A Man Named Pearl' will explain the rest but now I leave you with some lovely pictures and a Pearl Quote that will always remain with me:

"If you are passionate and you talk to 100 people, it's guaranteed that one of those people is going to help you out. Because that person has been when you are now. Someone helped them and they will remember."

Admission to the garden is free, but accepts donations on behalf of the Pearl Fryar Garden Conservancy.

Entrance to the garden

A water feature created out of recycled materials.

These Junipers have grown together at the top to make an arch.

Pearl's deep edging technique helps keep rainwater around the base of the plants.

In the spring, Pearl plants Begonias to spell out "Love, Peace and Goodwill"

Pearl's garden statues are made to be interchangeable and can be moved about the garden as desired.